Illusion Breaks Heart, Sword Points to Upper Level

The stone fragments from the second level of the Sword Tower hadn't even hit the ground when the greatsword of the second black iron puppet swung down like Mount Tai crushing its peak. The Earth Element Sword Intent, solid as rock, whipped up gravel and hurled it at Ling Yun's face. Its offensive power was clearly a third stronger than the first puppet's—obviously, as the formation core was broken, the remaining puppets' attacks would gradually strengthen over time, testing not only sword techniques but also the ability to endure.

Ling Yun advanced instead of retreating. His left foot tapped the ground, and his body, like a willow catkin, dodged the greatsword's impact. The Sky-Rending Sword spun in his hand, its sheath tracing an arc along the puppet's arm. This time, he didn't rush to use "Wind Song." Instead, he infused the Earth Element Sword Intent he had just absorbed into the sword body. The coarse cloth sheath instantly glowed with a light brown halo. He used the stance-holding method of "Heaven and Earth First Form" to guide the enemy's sword intent back at the puppet itself.

"Crack!"

The sheath struck the gap of the puppet's elbow joint. The Earth Element Sword Intent seeped in along the gap, colliding with the driving sword intent within the puppet. The puppet's movement faltered, and its previously solid sword intent showed a flaw. Ling Yun seized the opportunity, his wrist snapping forcefully. The "Wind Song" sword technique broke through the air. A pale green wind blade, wrapped in fine yellow-brown sword energy, spiraled like a drill into the puppet's joint gap.

"Boom!"

The second puppet collapsed with a roar, turning into a pile of black iron debris. The debris still contained residual Earth Element Sword Intent, which was automatically absorbed by Ling Yun's Chaos Sword Body and channeled into his dantian. His sword energy was no longer a pure chaotic green glow but a mixed hue of light brown and pale green. Though faint, it was already the embryonic form of merged elemental sword intent.

"Not bad. You know how to use the enemy's momentum to your advantage. This is the essence of the Qiankun Sword Canon," the Sword Elder's voice praised. "The third puppet's sword intent is even stronger. You can try to completely merge the two sword intents and unleash a true composite sword technique."

Ling Yun nodded and turned to face the last puppet. The Earth Element Sword Intent on this puppet's greatsword was as thick as ink, and rock-like textures even appeared on the sword body, clearly having gathered all the residual power of the formation core. It didn't attack rashly but slowly raised its greatsword. A basin-sized Earth Element Sword Pellet formed in front of the sword body, emitting a dull whistling sound as it hurtled towards Ling Yun.

"Now!" Ling Yun's eyes flashed. The composite sword energy within him surged wildly. Gripping the sword with both hands, he simultaneously unleashed "Heaven and Earth First Form" and "Wind Song." The Sky-Rending Sword traced a green and brown intertwined arc. The sword technique was no longer a simple chop or wind-guiding move but formed a rotating vortex of sword energy that instantly engulfed the incoming Earth Element Sword Pellet.

"Buzz—"

Within the sword energy vortex, the green and brown light clashed and merged. The ferocity of the Earth Element Sword Pellet was neutralized by the chaotic sword energy, while the agility of the Wind Element Sword Intent endowed it with flowing momentum. Moments later, the vortex exploded violently, and a composite sword energy of green and brown shot through the air. It not only shattered the Earth Element Sword Pellet but also struck the puppet's head—its hardest and most crucial driving core.

"Crack!"

The puppet's head shattered, and its entire body crashed to the ground. The wind on the second level of the Sword Tower completely dissipated, and the formation core crystals on the walls all dimmed. A cold mechanical voice sounded again: "Stone Sword Trial, Passed! Reward: One 'Earth Element Sword Intent Crystal,' usable for condensing Earth Element Sword Intent."

A gray-brown rhombic crystal fell from the air. Ling Yun caught it. The crystal felt warm in his hand, containing pure and dense Earth Element Sword Intent. Upon contact, it automatically merged into his dantian, becoming one with the composite sword energy. He looked up at the stairs leading to the third level, where the lingering aura was no longer a fierce wind or Earth Element Sword Intent but an indescribable hazy atmosphere that seemed to evoke the deepest thoughts within one's heart.

"The third level, 'Sword Intent Illusion Realm,' is the most perilous," the Sword Elder's voice turned serious. "The illusion will reflect what you cherish most in your heart, either tempting or enraging you. If you are trapped by the illusion, the least consequence is being unable to advance, and at worst, your Sword Heart will be damaged, making further progress difficult. Remember, no matter what you see, maintain 'Clear Sword Heart' and do not be deceived by appearances."

Ling Yun tightened his grip on the Sky-Rending Sword and slowly stepped onto the stairs. As soon as he entered the third level, the surrounding scenery changed drastically. It was no longer the stone walls of the Sword Tower but transformed into the courtyard of the Ling Family in Qingfeng Town. The familiar carved wooden windows, the old locust tree in the yard, and even the air were filled with the fragrant scent of the medicine his mother used to brew.

"Yun'er, come quickly and try the new sword tassel Mother made for you."

A gentle voice came from inside the house. Ling Yun's body stiffened, and his eyes instantly reddened. This was a scene from when he was three years old, the warmest fragment of his memory. He almost rushed into the house but suddenly felt a sharp sting from the Sky-Rending Sword in his hand. The Sword Elder's voice sounded in time: "This is an illusion! Your mother is long gone. Do not be trapped by false thoughts!"

Ling Yun snapped back to reality, took a deep breath, and activated Clear Sword Heart. The courtyard before him rippled, the leaves of the old locust tree blurred, and his mother's voice carried a faint static. He gripped the Sky-Rending Sword and swung it towards the center of the courtyard. Composite sword energy erupted, shattering the illusion before him.

The scene changed again. This time, it was the night the Ling Family was annihilated—the sky ablaze with fire, cultivators from the Zhao Family wielding swords and slaughtering their kin wantonly. His father stood before him, his back pierced by the black sword energy condensed by the Sword Devouring Art, his clothes stained with blood.

"Father!" Ling Yun's voice trembled. The sword energy within him churned uncontrollably, and hatred surged like a tide, almost making him lose his reason and charge at the Zhao Family cultivators in the illusion.

"Sword Heart must not be disturbed!" the Sword Elder's voice was stern. "If you are swayed by hatred now, you will never escape the illusion! Revenge requires a calm sword, not uncontrolled rage!"

Ling Yun closed his eyes, forcibly suppressing the excitement in his heart, and activated Clear Sword Heart again. He clearly saw that although the Zhao Family cultivators in the illusion moved realistically, they lacked the flaws of real combat, and their sword energy was merely a semblance without the soul-eroding evil energy of the Sword Devouring Art. He slowly opened his eyes, raised the Sky-Rending Sword horizontally, and pointed its tip at the phantom of Zhao Kun in the illusion. His voice was calm yet firm: "You are not the real Zhao Kun. My sword will only strike the true enemy."

"Swish!"

Composite sword energy was unleashed again. This time, it contained no trace of anger, only the precision of the sword technique and the purity of the sword intent. The illusion shattered like glass, and the surroundings returned to the appearance of the third level of the Sword Tower. It was a spacious platform with a half-human-tall stone tablet in the center. Four ancient seal characters, "Heart Sword as One," were carved on the tablet, which was the formation core of the illusion.

Beside the stone tablet lay a silver sword tassel. A piece of paper was tied to it, the handwriting sharp and vigorous—it was Murong Shuang's handwriting: "Illusions are easy to break, but holding a unified Sword Heart is difficult. If you cannot even pass this test, you are unworthy to spar with me on the seventh level."

Ling Yun picked up the sword tassel, his fingertips brushing over the sharp writing. A faint smile touched the corner of his lips. This was the first time Murong Shuang had regarded him as a true opponent, not just an "Outer Sect disciple without a spirit root." He tucked the sword tassel into his bosom, and looked up at the stairs leading to the fourth level. The sword intent lingering there was even more powerful than on the third level, but also purer, clearly heading towards the Sword Intent Stele.

"The fourth level, 'Sword Shadow Maze,' tests the ability to adapt sword techniques," the Sword Elder's voice sounded again. "The composite sword energy within you has taken initial shape. This is a good opportunity to hone your sword techniques and prepare for the foundational Sword Intent comprehension on the seventh level."

Ling Yun gripped the Sky-Rending Sword, feeling the green and brown sword energy flowing within him, as well as the faint warmth from the sheath. After the trials of the three levels, this ordinary ancient sword seemed to be awakening quietly. The sword body beneath the sheath was radiating increasingly obvious spiritual energy fluctuations as his sword intent grew.

He stepped onto the stairs leading to the fourth level, his figure disappearing into the dense sword intent. This time, he was no longer solely seeking revenge but pursuing the true meaning of the sword path, aiming to duel Murong Shuang on the seventh level, and to prove that even without a spirit root, one could reach the pinnacle of the sword path.